Feel the Burn

The area where Dian and I have decided to retire lays right smack dab in the middle of some of the best holiday areas in the country. I didn’t come to this particular spot for that reason, as a matter of fact I wasn’t even aware of that fact when we found this place. Besides the fact that next to the Okanogan it is one of the best fruit and vegetable growing areas in western Canada, it also boasts great fishing, hunting, hiking and swimming. This time of year, no matter where you turn, there is fruit growing. There are apple, pear and plum trees in every ditch and in every yard. Truly a land of plenty.

One of the charms of this area I recently became aware of is the Slocan river, which flows just a short distance from our acreage. Of course I knew of it’s existence but what I didn't know was that it is nationally renowned for being one of the best tubing rivers in the country. Tubing is one thing I had never done before. The river is quite short as rivers go, stretching from Slocan Lake to the Kootenay River, a distance of about 30 or so km. as the crow flies. I don’t really know how far the river meanders but I do know that in places it can take up to four hours to float five or six km. The river offers a bit of everything for everyone from slow drifting to shooting rapids near the junction of the Slocan and the Kootenay. There are places to rent kayaks and tubes and enthusiasts come from all parts of the country.


The particular stretch of river near our place is of the slower more mundane variety, just right for older folks and beginners such as yours truly. The last time we were in Edmonton we found a huge tube at Costco fit for up to five adults. It is the tubers dream, a veritable floating island just over ten feet across. It boast comfortable seating for five, six drink holders and two built in coolers. The part of the river we decided to brave runs between two bridges and takes a good four hours to complete. Our granddaughter and her boyfriend were down for the weekend so a tubing we did go. Now you all know just as well as I do that older folks such as myself and likely yourself, could never begin to take advice from younger less knowledgeable teenager types. After all, what do they know, why they’re barely dry behind the ears and we have years and years of pent up wisdom and knowledge just waiting to be dumped on youngsters such as themselves, right?.. Wrong....

Still echoing in my ears three weeks later are the very words from my granddaughter, “Grandpa, did you bring any sunscreen? I have some if you would like to use it, you could get burned, after all it’s 35 c. and that afternoon sun can get really brutal.” But the wizened reply came. “Don’t be silly, I’ve never been burned, I used to work in the hot sun all day long years before you were born.” Besides what harm is there in a little burn?

Three hours later I decided that covering up my shoulders and legs would be a prudent thing to do, however my lower legs would be just fine, after all they are dangling in the water.
The other words still ringing in my ears are those of the doctor in the Medi-Clinic in Nelson the following day, “My, my, those are second degree burns on those legs, must be terrible painful,” here is a prescription for some painkillers.” “Some Polysporin will bring some relief and keep off your feet and keep them elevated for a few days.” ”For goodness sake, why didn't you use some sunblock”?

Does anyone have any relief for a badly bruised ego?